Propeller handling mechanism



Jan. 2, 1951 I M. sYRAcusA 2,536,614

PRQPELLER HANDLING MECHANISM Filed Oct. 12, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet l I INVENTORJ flfzc/we Qyracasa J 1951 M. sYRAcusA 2,536,614

PROPELLER HANDLING MECHANISM Filed Oct. 12, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR. Mic/m5 @i'qczwa/ Jan. 2, 1951 s c us 2,536,614

PROPELLER HANDLING MECHANISM Filed Oct. 12, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Jan. 2, 1951 M. sYRAcusA 2,536,614

PROPELLER HANDLING MECHANISM Filed Oct. 12, 1945 I 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 1N VEN TOR. Mat/Mei @zucasa Patented Jan. 2, 1951 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in propeller handling mechanism.

At airports and other landing fields it frequently is necessary to service aircraft such as airplanes. including the removal of the. propellers of such craft. Large modern aircraft have propellers frequently Weighing several hundred pounds and the present improvements relate to structures adapted primarily for handling such propellers including removing them from and replacing them on the propeller shafts and transporting the propellers to and from a work shop or the like where the propellers may be deposited in a'desired position for servicing.

One object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the character mentioned which is mobile and is provided with mechanism for gripping propellers in removing them from their respective shafts and in replacing them on the shafts.

A further object of the invention is to provide mechanism including propeller gripping and pulling means which are adjustable for operation along the axes corresponding to the axes of the respective propeller shafts.

A further object of the invention is to provide propeller gripping mechanism that is. adjustable for adapting the same for use in conjunction with propellers having two, three, four or even six blades.

Other objects of the invention relate to various features of construction. and arrangements of parts which will be apparent from a consideration, of the following specifications and accompanying drawings, wherein,

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of apparatus which is illustrative of the present improvements.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the apparatus.

Fig. 3 is a broken top plan view thereof.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged broken side elevational view of propeller gripping and associated pulling mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a broken elevational View looking in the direction of the arrows 5--5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 65 of Fig. 4.,

Fig. 7 is a broken sectional view taken on line of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken on line 88 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the brake mechanism.

In the drawings, the apparatus therein illustrated is provided with a frame, indicated generally by the numeral 10, which, as shown in Fig. 3, is substantially triangular in. planview.

the periphery of a wheel H.

At the rear of the frame, a pair of ground wheels H is provided, the wheels being mounted on a transverse shaft i2, carried by the frame I ll, while at the forward end of the frame, constituting the apex of the triangle, is mounted a single dirigible wheel 83. The wheel I3 is mounted upon a king bolt I6 suitably secured to the frame. The wheel is provided with a tongue ll, by means of which the apparatus may be hauled and steered. It will be understood that the apparatus shown herein may be motorized if desired, and that the various hand operable mechanisms hereafter described may likewise be power operated. The simplest form of the improvements, however, have been selected for the purpose of illustration and as stated, the tongue H is shown as one means for transporting the mobile structure to the place or places desired.

For the purpose of retaining the apparatus sta tionary at a desired location, brake mechanism is shown comprising a pair of brake shoes it each adapted to be pressed into braking contact with The brakes shoes 18 are shown mounted at [9 upon brake levers 26, which are in turn pivotly secured at 2!, to the angularly disposed frame members 22, forming the sides of the frame it]. Pivoted to the inner ends of the levers 2c is a beam or link 23, which, when drawn forwardly, or to the right as viewed in Fig. 3, swings the levers 23, upon their pivots 2 l, in directions to force the shoes I8 into braking contact with the wheels H. For the purpose of operating the link 23 forwardly to set the brakes a rod 24 is provided. The rod 25 is threadily received within a coupling member 25, which is pivoted at 26 to the beam 23, as shown in Fig. 9. The opposite or forward end of rod 2 is in the form of a hook 24a, which passes around an eccentric or crank arm 2'! provided in a brake operating shaft 28 which is journalled adjacent its ends in frames 22. One end of the shaft 28, as

shown in Fig. 3, extends through the adjacent frame member 22 and is pivoted to a hand operable lever 29 which is swingable within a slotted guide 30 attached to the frame member. The position of the brake mechanism shown in Figure 1 is such that the brake shoes l8 are out of contact with the wheels I l, but by swinging the lever 29 clockwise, as viewed in said figure, the eccentric will swing the hook 240. of rod 24 clockwise to a past-center position for retaining thebrakes in set position against the action of a tensioned spring 25a which upon reverse movement of lever 29 frees the shoes I8 from engagement with the wheels H. When the brakes are in set position the lever 29 is in a forward position as, shown in Fig. 3.

Mounted on the frame ill is a base or bed indicated generally by the numeral 3| shown as comprising a pair of parallel channel members 32, each of which is provided with a vertical support 33. In the upper ends of supports 33 is mounted a pivot shaft 3 on which is swingably positioned a boom indicated generally by the numeral 35. The boom comprises a pair of spaced members 3$3'i, each having parallel front edges 35 and an intermediate stiffening rib 39. The upper end of the members 3531 are connected together by a spacer bar 48, while the lower ends below the axis provided by shaft 3G extend rearwardly and inwardly and are pivotall connected as at ii to a threaded follower block 32. Extending through the block is a threaded shaft d3 which is of reduced diameter at its forward and at the upper terminal portion of the threads carries a stop ring or collar M. The unthreaded reduced portion of the shaft passes through a swivelly mounted bearing 65 which is pivotally secured as at it to rearwardly turned ears cl carried by a transverse member 58 secured to the bed members 32 as shown in Fig. 3. Forwardly of the bearing the shaft 43 is provided with a collar '39, secured thereto by any approved means which, in cooperation with the collar restrains axial movement of the shaft within the bearing 45.

The forward end of the shaft 33 is adapted to receive any suitable operating means such as a detachable crank 5% having a recess for receiving the end 43 of the shaft and provided with opposite slots for engaging a cross pin 5! whereby operation of the crank effects rotation of the shaft. By operating th shaft in one direction or the other, the threaded follower 42 is caused to move along the shaft 43 in one direction or the other and thereby swing the boom about the horizontal axis repre ented by the shaft 35. It will be seen that the boom can be swung, for example, from the vertical full-line position shown in Eig. 1 to the horimntal dotted'position. also indicated in said figure.

Slidably mounted on the boom 35 is a carriage indicated generally by the numeral 52. The carriage 52 is provided with a front wall 53 and a rear wall 56 (see Fig. 4) which are retained in spaced relation by intermediate walls and 55 as shown in Fig. 6. Pivotall mounted on front and rear extensions of the walls 5-5 and 55 are grooved rollers 55? adapted for rolling contact along the front and rear edges as of the boom members as indicated in Fig. 6. Extending through the front and rear walls 53 and 54 of the carriage is a member or nut 58, which has an internally threaded aperture 59 through which extends a threaded shaft 65. The upper end of the shaft to is journalled in the spacer member 49 and the lower end is journalled in a bracket fil, attached to the boom member 31. The lower portion of the shaft to is provided with a bevelled gear 552 with which meshes a pinion 63 which is mounted on a shaft 64. The shaft 64 is provided with a cross pin 65 similar to cross pin 5! of the shaft S3, whereby the same crank 58 may be used on the end of the shaft 54 for rotating the pinion 55 for operating the shaft for causing the carriage 52 to move longitudinallv of the boom 35 in eit er direction.

The carria e 52 is provided with a laterally shiftable unthreaded bushing as shown in Fig. 4 which is supported within aligned slots provided in the front and rear walls 5-3, 54 of the carriage. The bushing 55 is provided with a transverse groove '5? in the lower wall thereof into which projects a retainer plate %8 which is secured by screws 59 to the wall 5 3. This arrangement permits the bushing to be shifted laterally within the aperture provided therefor but is restrained from axial displacement.

Supported within the bushing 55 is an externally threaded shaft 18 provided with a hand operable, internally threaded wheel H. The wheel is provided, in the form shown, with a hub 12 which terminates in an outstanding flange l3, which seats within a rabbet 14, formed in a forward face of the bushing 55. A retainer ring '.'5 surrounding the hub retains the flange against axial displacement from the rabbet. It will be seen therefore, that by turning the wheel 7!, the internal threads thereof cooperate with the threads of shaft if! for shifting the latter axially in the bushing. The shaft 1'53 is shown with a key way lila which receives a key (0b which prevents rotation of the shaft as the handwheel ll is turned for shifting the shaft axially. The rear or left-hand portion of the shaft ill, as viewed in Fig. i, is provided with a propeller gripping mechanism indicated generally b the numeral 15 which is rotatably carried on an unthreaded portion of the shaft extending between a shoulder Ti and an unthreaded nut it. The propeller gripping mechanism i5 is mounted on a sleeve '59 which is threaded at the lefthand portion as shown in Fig. 4. The propeller grip ping mechanism in the form shown comprises a disc 8% having a hub fiia secured to the sleeve 18 and which retains the disc in a plane normal to the axis of the shaft It. Extending radially of the forward face of the disc 30 there are shown three arms 8!, 82 and 83 having horizontally extending arms Bla, 82a, and 83a respectively. Through the apertures of each bracket extends one of three similar studs 84 the outer end portion of each of which is shaped at of 85 for engagement by a socket tool or the like for operating the stud. Inwardly of the respective brackets, each of the studs is threaded and each passes threadedly through one of three radially adiustable supports 88. The end of each of the studs 34 is rece sed for receiving a'cylindrical bearing member 8'! which terminates in a ring or annulus 88 disposed about the unthreaded portion of the sleeve l9. Each support 86 is provided with a stabilizing foot or flange 39 which bears against the adjacent face of the disc 8!], whereby when the respective threaded stud 84 is rotated to cause the respective support 38 to be moved axially along the stud or radially of the disc 8! the foot 39 in cooperation with the stud retains the respective support 86 substantially in a position normal to the plane of the disc 83.

Each support 85 is provided with a radially disposed channel, as indicated by the numeral as. Extending through the channel 9%! of each arm is a guide flange 6i formed as a part of slidable gripper or tong operating member 82. Each member 92 is slidable horizontally along the inner face of the respective arm 86 (as viewed in Fig. 4) and is retained in sliding contact with a support 85 by the respective flange 9! which is provided with a pair of transverse studs 9111 that bridge the outer open end of the respective channels so. Each channel Si! is of a length to accommodate movement of the respective flange and gripper operating member 82 a distance sufficient to permit proper opening and 51 closing of the gripping members as hereinafter mentioned.

As shown in Fig. 4 the left hand end of each operating member 92' terminates in a double rack 93, that meshes with teeth 91% provided on tong or gripper members. Members s5 are pivotally secured as at 95 to the respective operating members 92. Shifting theoperating members 92' to the right as viewed in Fig. 4. will swing the respective pair of tongs 95 toward closed position while shifting the member 92 to the left as viewed in said figure, will swing the tongs to open position.

Each of the tree arms 92 and the associated mechanism of the head above described are similar, but means are provided for operating the three operating members 92 simultaneously. The means referred to comprises a rotatable hand, operable member 91, which is threadily mounted upon the threaded portion of the sleeve 19. The actuating members 92 are provided with slots 92a into which a disc or annular flange 98 extends, whereby'when thev disc is shifted axially of the threaded'sleeve 19 by the operation of the member 9'5 to which. the disc is attached, the members 92 will be moved forwardly or rearwardly, depending upon the direction of operation of the member 9! which shifting of the three members 92 operates the double racks 93 and thu effects the opening or closing of the tongs 95 of each pair.

One of the radially disposed arm such as the arm 83 as shown in Fig- 8 may be secured to the disc member SE! in fixed relation by screws or by welding or other means. The other two members 8! and 82 are provided with rings 99,. Hit respectively at their inner ends for mounting upon the unthreaded portion of the sleeve i9 and thus the members 81 and 82 can be swung arcuately about the axis of shaft '59 for adjusting the relative positions of the arms 8|, 82.

In Fig. 5 the three members ill, 82' and 83 are shown in full lines spaced 120 degrees apart. In dotted lines the two members 8| and 82 are showndiametrically arranged with reference to the disc 8!! and each is disposed at an angle of 90 degrees from the member 83. Adjustment of either member 8! or 82 effects arcuate adjustment of the respective member 86 and the corresponding operating arm 92 and the tongs carried by the latter. Where a three blade propeller or a six blade propeller is to be handled by the apparatus, the members 81 and 82 are adjusted to the position shown in full line in Fig. 5, in which positions each of the three pair of tongs will be in proper relation for grasping one of the blades of a three blade propeller, or for engaging alternate blades of a six blade propeller. Where a two blade or four blade propeller is to be engaged, the member BI and 82 will be adjusted to the dotted line positions shown in Fig. 5, wherein it will be seen that said two members 8! and 82 being diametrically disposed may be utilized gor grasping the two blades of a two blade propeller, or the three members may be used for grasping three blades of a four blade propeller.

Each adjustable member 8! and 82, in the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawing (see Fig. 8) is provided with releasable means for latching the same in adjusted position. In the drawings the latching means shown comprises springs Hll each secured adjacent an inner end by rivets or the like IN to the right hand face of the respective member as viewed in Fig. 4,. Each of the springs carries a stud :02 which extends through an aperture provided therefor in the respective members 8!, 82; and is adapted to seat in one of several notches formed in the periphery of the disc 80. By retracting the outer end of the spring ill! to withdraw the respective stud from latching position; the arm st or 82 can be swung arcuately to another position and latched in that position by the stud. In Fig. 5' the dotted line position of the members 81, 82 corresponds to the positions wherein the studs 592 seat in notches I03 and. I04, thus locking the members BI and 82 against angular displacement. The full line positions of members BI, 82 in Fig. 5 corresponds to the positions wherein the respective studs I02 seat in notches M25 and E06 which releasably retains said members Si, 82 each in a position 120 degrees from member 83.

In use the tongs preferably are caused to engage the innerv end portions of the propeller blades adjacent the hub, and by operating the members 84 by means of a suitable wrench applied to thetangs 85, the members 86 may be adjusted radially with reference to the shaft iii for positioning the respective tongs for engagement with the propeller blades adjacent the propeller hub. By operating the threaded member 97' the tongs. can be opened and closed. Thus, in removing a propeller from a shaft of a plane, the vehicle ii! is moved to a position, at the front of the plane with the axis of the shaft ill disriage can be raised to the proper elevation, and

by operating the shaft 43, the boom can be disposed at a proper angle wherein the shaft ill will form, in effect, an extension of the axis of the propeller shaft. The sleeve 66 as stated above, can be shifted manually in a lateral direction if necessary to enable the operator to eifect the disposition ofthe shaft H! in the vertical plane of the propeller shaft in the event the vehicle if! is not in the precise position. When the apparatus has been positioned properly in front of the plane and the head it raised to the proper elevation and adjusted to the proper angle, operation of the hand wheel H in the proper direction forces the shaft is to the left as viewed in Fig. 1, and thus moves the previously opened pairs of tongs into embracing position with respect to the, or some of the, propeller blades. Operation of the member 91 in the proper direction effects closure of the tongs 95 about the respective propeller blades whereupon o eration of the member H in the reverse direction will shift the shaft 10 and head It to the right, as viewed in Fig. 4, and thus withdraw the propeller from its shaft, the propeller securing means having been previously removed.

The mobile apparatus may then be moved to the workship or other place where the propeller is to be deposited in the event the propeller is to be serviced. Thus, as indicated in Fig. 1 the boom 35 may be operated into a horizontal position for depositing the propeller upon a bench, for example. When so deposited, the member 91 may be operated to open the tongs and thereby release the propeller blades. It will be seen also that a propeller which is to be placed on a propeller shaft may be grasped by the tongs, elevated and transported to the proper position and slid upon the shaft by the use of the apparatus described. In Fig. 1 the boom 35, as shown, is provided with a ladder I07 for the convenient support of operators of the apparatus in actuating the tong operating and adjusting means.

While I have shown and described a structure which is illustrative of the invention, various changes in the details thereof may be resorted to within the scope and spirit of the improvements.

I claim:

1. An airplane propeller handling mechanism comprising a mobile supporting structure, a boom pivotally mounted thereon for movement between a horizontal position and an upright position, a carriage on the boom movable along the same in an axial direction, a reciprooable head on the carriage provided with propeller blade gripping members arranged about the axis thereof and provided with operable means for effecting reciprocating movement of the head in directions normal to the boom whereby with said boom in an elevated position normal to an inclined axis of a propeller shaft of an airplane and located adjacent the end of the propeller shaft said carriage can be moved along the boom into position for axially aligning the head with the propeller shaft whereby said head can be moved toward the propeller for locating said gripping members in position for gripping blades of the propeller, means for actuating said gripping members for causing the same to grip the blades of the propeller on said shaft, means for effecting retraction of the head toward the boom for removing the propeller from the propeller shaft, and means for effecting pivotal movement of the boom whereby a propeller supported by said gripping means following removal from an airplane can be moved by the boom for deposit in a horizontal position.

2. A propeller handling mechanism comprising a mobile support, a boom pivotally mounted on the support for movement between horizontal and upright positions and of a length to project beyond the support when in a horizontal position, a carriage movable along the boom, a reoiprocable shaft carried by the carriage at right angles to the boom and projecting beyond opposed sides of the boom in the plane of the pivotal movement of the boom, a head on the shaft at one side of the boom provided with airplane propeller blade gripping members arranged about the axis of the head, means for moving the carriage along the boom for aligning said shaft axially with respect to an inclined airplane propeller shaft when the boom is disposed normal to the propeller shaft, means on the other side of the boom for moving said shaft axially for disposing the gripping members in position for engagement of the propeller blades of the airplane and for retracting the reciprocable shaft for removing the propeller from the propeller shaft, means for operating said gripping members from operative to inoperative position, and means for pivotally swinging said boom whereby with a removed propeller supported by said gripping means the boom can be moved to a horizontal position for depositing the propeller in a horizontal position upon release of the gripping members.

3. A propeller handling mechanism comprising a mobile support, a boom pivotally mounted on said support for movement between a horizontal position and an upright position and of a length to extend beyond a side of the support when in horizontal position, a carriage movable longitudinally of the boom, a reciprocable shaft extending through the carriage in the plane of the pivotal movement of the boom, a head on the shaft at the end thereof that is lowermost when the boom is in a horizontal position, means on the other side of said carriage for reciprocating said shaft, said head being provided with airplane propeller blade gripping means, means for actuating said gripping means to and-from gripping relation, means for moving the carriage longitudinally of the boom, and means for moving the boom pivotally on the support whereby a propeller when gripped by said gripping means can be moved from a propeller shaft to a horizontal position of deposit adjacent said side of the mobile support and can be moved from the latter position to a position on a propeller shaft.

MICHAEL SYRACUSA.

REFERENCES CITED fhe following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Kittel Feb. 26, '1945 

